Tobacco.org

• Up in smoke  

While Keillor's humorous take from 25 years ago on the possibilities of a total ban on smoking in America seemed unrealistic then, one must wonder today if such a concept will become a reality. Especially in light of smoking bans in public places mandated by law and now in effect throughout the country. Even the anti-smoking movement believes that it is unrealistic to believe that smoking will ever become illegal and their efforts are better spent eliminating smoking from public buildings and workplaces. . . .

No one is debating the fact that smoking is harmful to your health. But like a lot of things that are harmful it remains legal. The debate in Michigan is centered on two viewpoints and one "wild card." The position of those who are opposed to the any type of ban is about "choices" versus "public health" the position taken by the anti-smoking organizations and other public health groups. The "wild card," and probably the reason legislation has not been enacted in Michigan, is because of the casinos -- particularly the casinos owned by Native American tribes -- who are sovereign nations and would not be mandated by a smoking ban law. This would essentially give them a competitive advantage over other casinos and entertainment venues in Michigan. . . .

Currently, there are five "smoking ban" proposals in the House of Representatives and two in the State Senate. They range from a 100 percenter ban with no exemptions to "compromise" bills that would allow for exemptions for cigar bars and tobacco specialty stores and casinos. Nolan also sees a special permit for charities to obtain a possible exemption. These permits would be for "fundraising" through "cigar dinners," for example. He co-chairs the annual Father Fred Foundation Cigar Dinner (May 14) that now accounts for 25 percent of the foundation's annual operation budget.

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